Top NHL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/21)
The NHL rolls out a five-game slate tonight, headlined by a heavyweight battle between the Bruins and the Oilers. Below I'll dive into that game, along with two others, from a betting perspective and let you know where I'm laying my money tonight. Here are my top three bets on the ice.
Wednesday's NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Buffalo Sabres (-135) vs. Montreal Canadiens (+115) | 6.5 (-120/+100)
The action gets underway with an Atlantic Division clash as the Sabres square off against the Canadiens. These two clubs are sixth and seventh in their division, respectively, although they each have 52 points through 55 games. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC.
The Habs have been playing to the Over quite a bit recently, seeing at least seven goals in seven of their last 11 games. Mainly, it has been their defense that's hindered them this season. Montreal brings in the 29th-ranked overall defense (3.36 GAA) and they're also 31st on the penalty kill (73.96%). As for the Sabres, four of their last eight games have exceeded this total of 6.5 goals.
Both teams rank in the top third of the league in high-danger shots against during 5-on-5 play, meaning they give up a lot of chances. Considering Montreal's team SV% is just .900 and Buffalo's is .898, I think we'll see plenty of scoring action in this game. Let's lock in the over in this matchup between two subpar defenses.
Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-120)
Toronto Maple Leafs (-205) vs. Arizona Coyotes (+170) | 6.5 (-125/+105)
The wheels have fallen off in Arizona as the Coyotes are currently riding a 10-game losing streak (0-9-1). They haven't won a game since January 22nd. As for Toronto, they've rattled off four straight wins, and eight in their last 10 games. This cross-conference matchup is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET from the Mullet Arena in Tempe, AZ.
With how these two sides are playing, I wouldn't be surprised if Toronto clears this total by themselves. Their offense has been on fire over the last two weeks, averaging 4.8 goals per game over their last six contests. Meanwhile, the defense and goaltending have been atrocious in the desert. Over the current 10-game slide, the Yotes are surrendering 4.8 goals per game. Yikes.
Toronto hasn't been flawless when it comes to defense either. They've allowed at least two goals in seven of their last eight games. The netminding is still a question mark with the Leafs, and until they truly solidify that, I won't hesitate to hammer their Overs. Let's lock in the Over tonight at the Mullet Arena.
Bet: Over 6.5 Total Goals (-125)
Boston Bruins (+118) vs. Edmonton Oilers (-140) | 6.5 (+100/-120)
The night wraps up out West as the Bruins square off against the Oilers. Boston is currently second in the Atlantic Division at 33-12-11 (77 points) while Edmonton is third in the Pacific at 33-18-1 (67 points). This NHL nightcap is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.
Boston always seems to put the clamps on defensively in these big matchups. For example, they shut out the red-hot Canucks earlier this month in a 4-0 win at the TD Garden. I think we're in for another low-scoring matchup between these two heavyweights. The B's still own one of the best defenses in the league, surrendering only 2.57 goals per game (4th). They're also a respectable 11th on the PK (81.41%).
On the other hand, Edmonton has patched up its defense since bringing in Kris Knoblauch in November. They've climbed up to 11th in overall defense (2.71 GAA) and they're now 16th on the PK (79.43%). Ultimately, I see Boston turning to their physicality (4th in hits given during 5-on-5 play) and great goaltending to turn this into a dogfight. Goals should be at a premium in this matchup so I'll play the Under at 6.5.
Bet: Under 6.5 Total Goals (-120)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: